The 450,000 sq ft scheme is being developed by Calthorpe Estates and Cordwell Leisure Developments. Plans for the scheme include shops and restaurants, leisure space, a 4,000 sq ft foodstore, top grade offices and a 190 bedroom hotel.

More than 340 luxury apartments are being developed by Redrow Homes with the first residents due in a few weeks.

Calthorpe's development director Malcolm Tyre, said: "The public square will form a striking frontage to the Edgbaston Mill development.

"It will provide the people of Birmingham with a large area of coveted public space, which is a rarity in modern developments.

"In addition we will also be creating a boulevard which will enhance access to the scheme, linking the Edgbaston Cricket Ground with the landscape of Cannon Hill Park."

Work is due to begin on the commercial elements of the development later this year, with the scheme scheduled to be completed in phases from 2008...SUPL: